What are my calorie requirements during pregnancy?
Asked by infinityiz on Dec 08, 2008
in Family & Pregnancy
I am about 5 months pregnant and I am starting to feel very bloated especially after meals. Should I eat smaller meals? My expenditure is about 1800 calories but, pre-pregnancy, my recommended calorie allowance 1200 to lose weight. So, should I eat about 1800 + the 300 for baby or 1200 + the 300 for baby?
Answer
You need to eat 1800 calories a day throughout your pregnancy. Since your pre-pregnancy BMI was over 30, you need to gain only 15 lbs to deliver a healthy baby. During pregnancy, you need 300 extra calories over your requirements to maintain your ideal weight. Since need 1500 calories a day to maintain BMI 21, 300 plus 1500 takes you to 1800 calories a day. Those calories should come from nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains bread and cereals, dark green vegetables, citrus fruit, fat-free milk, and lean meat, fish, poultry and eggs. Treat bloating with a high-fiber diet eaten in several small meals and by getting regular exercise and avoiding very high sodium foods.
